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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the owner of one of the homes where the action takes place?

2. With whom does Rosemary dance aggressively?

3. Millie has decorated her room with copies of paintings by which artist?

4. Why does Millie steal sips of the whiskey?

5. Which character is by herself as Act 2 begins?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Madge and Hal meet?

2. Explain how Rosemary behaves in a humiliating manner with Hal because she is mad at Howard.

3. What is the climax of the play which occurs in Act 2?

4. Why is tonight a turning point in Madge's life?

5. How has Rosemary's brutal honesty changed the way in which Howard perceives her?

6. How does the author use the technique of foreshadowing at the end of Act 1?

7. Explain Madge's confusion regarding making love to Hal earlier tonight.

8. What does Millie dream of when she hears the train whistle in the distance?

9. How does Howard evade the marriage question at least temporarily?

10. How are Rosemary's true feelings about men in stark contrast to her behavior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study on Rosemary. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 2

PICNIC is a classic story of metamorphosis and empowerment. What does that classification entail? Why does this play fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The role of women is a main topic addressed in this story. Explain the theme that extends through all the female characters. What is the presumed role of women in America during the 1950s? Explain by giving examples.

(see the answer keys)

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